Introduction to the Special Issue: Prevention Science and Youth Conduct Problems: Development, Prevention, and Treatment

This introductory article describes this Special Issue entitled Prevention Science and Youth Conduct Problems: Development, Prevention, and Treatment that is being offered in recognition of the research and scientific contributions of Dr. Robert J. McMahon. This Special Issue includes a collection of 15 original empirical research articles, systematic reviews, meta-analyses, and theoretical pieces spanning three themes consistent with Dr. McMahon’s program of research: (1) risk and protective factors in the development and maintenance of youth conduct problems; (2) family based preventive and treatment interventions for youth conduct problems; and (3) multicomponent preventive and treatment interventions for youth conduct problems. Following these articles, this Special Issue contains two commentaries from experts in the fields of youth conduct problems and prevention science, as well as a reflection from Dr. McMahon. Our introduction provides a brief synopsis of each article contained in the Special Issue, identifying how these works reflect upon and were inspired by Dr. McMahon’s research legacy and how they advance understanding of conduct problems. We close this introduction with thoughts regarding future research directions that will extend Dr. McMahon’s impressive impact on the field of youth conduct problems.